Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton Written Statement of Action January 2022
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Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton Written Statement of Action January 2022
Contents
Section 1 Introduction 3
Section 2 Local Area monitoring arrangements and governance 8
Section 3 Wolverhampton’s local area response to the 6 areas of significant weaknesses 10
Section 4 Glossary of Terms* 58
Appendix 1 Feedback from our families 60
Appendix 2 SEND Data 79
Appendix 3 Governance Structure Associated ToR 88
2 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022
Section 1 – Introduction
Wolverhampton is an inclusive City Between 20th and 24th September 2021, Ofsted and the Care Quality
where we work with children, young Commission (CQC), conducted a joint inspection of the local area of
people, and their families with SEND Wolverhampton to judge the effectiveness of the area in implementing the
disability and special educational needs reforms as set out in the Children
so that they have a good quality
and Families Act 2014.
‘ordinary life’ and achieve their
On the 12th November 2021 the inspection report for Wolverhampton was
full potential
published and on 29 November 2021 a Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) took
Our Vision place with DfE and NHS England and local area partners in Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton Joint SEND Strategy 2020-23 to outline their expectations enabling the local area to formally document
their improvement journey through a Written Statement of Action (WSOA).
As a result of the findings of this inspection and in accordance with the Children
Act 2004 (Joint Area Reviews) Regulations 2015, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector
(HMCI) has determined that a Written WSOA is required because of 6 significant
areas of weakness in the local area’s practice. The local authority and the area’s
Clinical Commissioning Group are jointly responsible for submitting the written
statement to Ofsted by 16th February 2022.
Following approval of the WSOA by Ofsted the document will be jointly
owned by the Local Authority and the CCG who are also responsible for its
implementation, with oversight from the SEND Partnership Board and the
relevant leadership governance groups of the Local Authority and the CCG,
both political and managerial. Other local area partners such as children
and young people, parents carers, schools, colleges, health provider services,
public health and voluntary organisations also have a key role in delivering
the actions within the WSOA plan.
Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 3
Introduction
The inspection raised the following significant concerns about the Progress since the inspection
effectiveness of the area:
The Written Statement of Action (WSOA) will provide a
1. Weaknesses in identifying SEND when difficulties emerge for those
framework for addressing the significant areas of weakness
at primary and secondary school ages
identified by Ofsted and the CQC in their inspection. As part of
2. The lack of accuracy in EHC plans and the delays in assessment, this development, focus groups and surveys took place during
writing and review of those plans December 2021 to January 2022, with parent carers, children
and young people, to seek their views on potential action
3. The underdeveloped arrangements for jointly commissioning and
to address these issues. As a result, this feedback has been
providing the services that children and young people with SEND
included within the action plan.
and their families need
The Local Authority and the area’s Clinical Commissioning
4. Weaknesses in implementing strategically planned co-production
Group have also consulted with a range of leaders within
at every level when evaluating provision; identifying strengths and
services including local Councillors to ensure the ongoing
weaknesses, and identifying and implementing improvements
commitment, governance and resource is made available to
5. Weaknesses in the planning and support of transitions both within achieve the actions set out within the WSOA.
statutory school age and from statutory school age to post-19 and
To effectively monitor the impact and outcomes of this WSOA,
post-25
data dashboards are in development with key performance
6. Weaknesses in how the area shares information, including indicators (KPIs) using the recommendations from the Council
regarding support systems and the local offer. for Disabled Children and agreed via the SEND Partnership
Board (see appendix 2). Voice 4 Parents and HY5! (Young
We are committed to working in partnership, increasing co-production,
People’s Forum) as our strategic partners will also review the
and harnessing the expertise within the system; including parent carers,
dashboards to ensure they reflect their requirements and
children, young people, and the staff who work to support them. Our
monitor the improvements.
young people and parent carers feel strongly that the written statement
of action reflects the concerns that they have also raised in the
‘feedback from our families’ (see appendix 1).
4 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022
Introduction
Improvement Programmes 2. The lack of accuracy in EHC plans and the delays in
assessment, writing and review of those plans
There are multi-faceted transformation projects such as the
Culture of Inclusion, Culture of Belonging and the SEND Health • Visits to other LAs with best practice of EHCP assessment
Strategy underway. These existing workstreams have been and annual review pathway processes.
realigned to incorporate the tasks required from the WSOA.
• Quality Assurance Officer appointed, to develop annual
As areas highlighted within the WSOA had been previously
quality assurance framework for EHC plans and reviews.
been identified within the self-evaluation framework some
actions have already progressed since the inspection. • Further roll out of CDC e-Learning for those that contribute
to health advice for EHCPs and monitoring of training
through the SEND Health Steering Group.
Progress made including actions completed:
• SEND Champions appointed across social care services
1. Weaknesses in identifying SEND when difficulties to improve social care advice to colleagues.
emerge for those at primary and secondary school ages
• Designated Clinical Officer now recruited into post who
• Funding agreed for a Specialist School Nurse for SEND will work with the DMO on training for health staff and
to join the existing schools nursing team to better identify quality assurance processes for health contributions.
health needs. Job description agreed, job out to advert
and further expansion agreed for this team.
• Workshops held with over 20 agencies across the city,
including educational settings, health providers and
parent carers to begin to co-design the graduated
response document.
Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 5
Introduction
3. The underdeveloped arrangements for 4. Weaknesses in implementing strategically planned co-production at every
jointly commissioning and providing the level when evaluating provision; identifying strengths and weaknesses,
services that children and young people and identifying and implementing improvements
with SEND and their families need
• Funding agreed for Local Authority Parent Participation Officer and post
• A Joint Commissioning Strategy which is out for appointment.
outlines the arrangements for providing
• Autism Board has been relaunched in October 2021 with both co-chairs
the services that children and young
being young adults with autism.
people with SEND and their families’
needs has been developed and published. • Two co-production workshops taken place at Royal Wolverhampton Trust
provided by Changing Our Lives which has generated a series of projects
• Terms of Reference agreed for Voice 4
for areas to develop in co-production.
Parents to be a quorate member of the
Joint Commissioning Strategic Group. • CCG has agreed funding for Black Country Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust
to undertake the above Co-production training.
• Workstream sub-groups have been set
up and leads identified. • Speech & Language Therapy have carried out a consultation event with parent
carers and key stakeholders about service re-design to meet the needs of
children in the local area. A business case is being generated as a result.
• 2 settings have already been awarded with #YES Co-Production Charter Status
• SEND Youth Forum HY5! established and links developed to SEND Partnership
Board to deliver their priority plan
• Accessible communication tool, Widget, procured to assist co-production
and rolled out council wide with training programme available.
• Lived experience from CYP and Families shared at SEND Partnership Board
meetings every 8 weeks to ensure that the focus remains firmly on improving
the experience of children, young people and parent carers.
6 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022
Introduction
5. Weaknesses in the planning and support of transitions both
within statutory school age and from statutory school age
to post-19 and post-25
• Workstream established for universal, specialist and enhanced
transitions and priorities identified.
• Meetings held in December 2021 and January 2022 attended
by Voice 4 Parents, schools and a range of relevant agencies
to co-produce transition pathway. To date the focus has been
on transitions between learning environments (key stages).
• Transition Policy co-produced with children, young people
and families that have been through transition and now
finalised at RWT. The young people are now designing a
young person charter for this policy prior to its initial launch.
6. Weaknesses in how the area shares information,
including regarding support systems and the local offer.
• Funding agreed for a bespoke Local Offer and Communications
Officer and about to go to job evaluations.
• SEND Partnership Communications Group established.
• Communication plan developed and agreed by SEND
Partnership Board.
• SENCo network meetings scheduled to upskill SENCos to
be able to provide support to families around support and
provision available through the local offer.
Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 7
Section 2 – Local Area Monitoring Arrangements and Governance
The SEND Partnership Board provides SEND Partnership Board Governance Structure
the governance structure and strategic
oversight of the implementation of
the Written Statement of Action. Health and
Whilst each workstream meets Wellbeing
monthly to progress actions, the Together Board
WSOA has been tabled to be reviewed
every 8 weeks for monitoring
purposes where relevant reports Children and
Families
from each workstream is presented
Together Board
by either the Voice 4 Parents, Head of
Inclusion and Empowerment, Clinical
Commissioning Lead, Designated
Emotinal Health SEND Autism
Medical Officer or Designated Social and Wellbeing Partnership Partnership
Care Officer. Regular review of the Board Board Board
dashboards (as in appendix 2) is
also monitored at these meetings
to demonstrate impact. Joint Strategic
Health and Voice 4 Parents Strategy
Commissioning HY5! Implementation
Annual highlight reports will be Steering Group Steering Group
Group Groups
presented to Children and Families
i.e
Together Board by the Assistant
Culture of Inclusion
Director of Education and Clinical Short Breaks Project
Commissioning Officer. Bi-annual Local Offer
highlight reports will also be PFA
published on the Local Offer. Terms of Reference for the above Boards and Groups are available in appendix 3.
Culture of Belonging
8 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022
Local Area Monitoring Arrangements and Governance
Milestone completion dates are included in the WSOA as the plan Impact measures will also be quantified where appropriate,
is monitored, which will act as a critical measure over the next 18 for example, percentage of parent carer satisfaction as the
months. Progress against actions within each priority will be rated actions are delivered and become embedded.
as follows:
In order to understand the progress felt by children, young
people and parent carers, user engagement sessions will be
included within existing SEND events, Spotlight on SEND and
RED Action significantly delayed (requiring intervention)
PCF development days with the key performance indicators
AMBER Action in progress, minor delays showing progress against ‘you said, we did’. These KPIs and
the engagement sessions will be co-produced with HY5! Youth
GREEN Action on track Forum, Voice 4 Parents and Wolverhampton Information,
Advice and Support Service.
BLUE Completed and embedded
Action not yet started, as dependent on or awaiting other actions
The following actions have been co-produced
PINK
to be completed first with young people, families and professionals
across Wolverhampton to respond to the SEND
Strategy, but also align to the required
Wherever quantifiable, percentages of improvement will be developments highlighted within the Written
recorded within the progress columns along with milestone
Statement of Action.
measures and a narrative to explain the journey towards
completing the actions. Together we will….
Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 9
Local Area Monitoring Arrangements and Governance Local Area Monitoring Arrangements and Governance
Area of Significant Weakness 1
Weaknesses in identifying SEND when difficulties emerge for those at primary and secondary school ages
Actions for implementation Lead Officer Evidence Accountability measures Intended outcome/Impact Resources Key Milestones Completion date Progress
(Additional – A)
(Existing – E)
1.1 Develop a strengthened graduated Principal Educational Number of views of graduated response on Document approved by SEND Partnership To better identify SEND when difficulties emerge 200K inclusion grant Core group to review examples and agree model/ October 2022
response document to assist all education Psychologist Local Offer. Board for those at primary and secondary school ages. funding (E) approach
settings to correctly identify SEND, to know (Emma Thornbery) Document is produced and distributed Workshops to take place
Education settings able to correctly identify SEND, Workshops held for each of the 4 areas of code January 2022
what support is available to help meet Data shows a decrease in the number of across all schools and settings within over 36 hours involving
without relying on label or diagnosis and more on of practice plus medical/health needs guidance.
those needs and to implement strategies children and young people with EHCPs waiting Wolverhampton 20 agencies across the
need and are enabled to support every child with
to support the child or young person with to be placed in appropriate settings to meet Graduated Response is published on the authority to complete Core group to identify sections needed for January 2022
SEND within their placement.
their education. their needs. Local Offer graduated response introduction/context - agree who will draft sections.
Annual Parent carers user survey Families have improved confidence around the document (E)
Data shows a decrease in suspensions and completed support available from schools to meet child’s 9 hours to deliver training Share draft with core group (including YP April 2022
exclusions for children and young people with individual need and not having to wait for diagnosis sessions on Graduated and parents/carers) for feedback
SEND Support needs using baseline data from before support is in place. Response with school
Training for schools to raise awareness knowledge March – July 2022
March 2022 to September 2023. Appropriate and timely referrals to be made for SENCOs (E)
and recognition of SEND across the whole workforce
EHC Needs Assessments enabling those requests including auxiliary staff and governors
Annual ‘You said, we did’ user survey for young to be actioned promptly.
people and parent carers show improvements Work with ICT on website ready version for LO September 2022
in the understanding and support available in
Implementation in schools and support services September 2022
the graduated response.
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Actions for implementation Lead Officer Evidence Accountability measures Intended outcome/Impact Resources Key Milestones Completion date Progress
(Additional – A)
(Existing – E)
1.2 Develop a clear All Age Autism pathway Head of Service Inclusion All Age Autism Strategy produced Monitored and agreed by Autism Board Families to have a better understanding of how to Autism Board to be held Review previous strategy April 2023
for diagnostics and support (under and and Empowerment access pathway and for support to be in place while every 3 months with Re-establish Autism Board
Autism Strategy Published on Local
over 5) shared on the Local Offer. (Helen Bakewell) Reduction in Waiting times for decision CYP are on diagnostic journey membership from CWC Review updated data
Offer and other relevant websites
on diagnosis Simple to navigate and Health officers and Co-produce Autism Strategy including
Head of Service – Adult
Consistency in diagnosis decision making process Voice 4 Parents (E) commissioning for the diagnostic pathway
Service (Paula Morris)
Increase in number of CYP diagnosed Better communication between professionals and Develop autism board action plan to address
with families – ‘tell it once’ ownership of all age pathway
Better quality of evidence to support formal diagnosis Develop a single point of access for referral routes
Pathway to include support from pre-diagnosis to
post diagnosis including those not diagnosed with
ASD
To consider the use of Health Passport to aid
‘tell it once’
Consultation on strategy
Launch strategy
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Actions for implementation Lead Officer Evidence Accountability measures Intended outcome/Impact Resources Key Milestones Completion date Progress
(Additional – A)
(Existing – E)
1.3 Improve the waiting times for specialist Specialist CAMHS Operational Specialist CAMHS Waiting times for new Quantitative and qualitative data Waiting times will be improved following the negative Recruitment of new Compliance with 18-week wait target CAMHS have an
therapeutic services i.e. SLT and OT Manager (James Reeley) appointments and also reviews are under monitoring, reported to relevant affects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on waiting CAMHS staff funded to Scope out opportunities for a CYP workstream (to immediate target
and Child and Adolescent Mental 18 weeks with few exceptions. The first governance groups. times for therapeutic interventions in some specialist address the issues of include specialist therapeutic services and SEND) to to ensure initial
Health Services (CAMHS) for both new Head of CAMHS appointment will include elements of therapeutic and Child and Adolescent Mental Health the wait for allocation be picked up through the Place-Based Partnership assessments occur
Monitored via Provider Performance
appointments and review appointments. Commissioning (Mags Courts) assessment, information gathering, advice Services (CAMHS). to individual therapy (A). (One Wolverhampton) work (first meeting planned within 18 weeks of
meetings and SEND Health Steering
to young person and parent carers as well for 1 Feb 2022). referral.
group and subgroup meetings Waiting times will decrease to within 18 weeks Seeking to spend non
as intervention as required.
for new appointments. recurrent further money
The first
on staff for a time limited
A clear process is developed with clear Improvement to the experience of families. appointment will
project to reduce our
expectations around the journey for the Within Specialist CAMHS a new means to access include elements
second waits (A).
child or young people from the time of the friends and family test with a QR code that links of assessment,
referral to the time they are seen. In addition to seeking to information
to it to increase the feedback opportunity for our
increase capacity have gathering and
services is being implemented. This will ensure
an ongoing reporting advice to young
there is an ease of accessibility for families and
function to monitor for person and
will drive improvement.
variances to the 18 week parent carers and
wait which provokes interventions as
an internal assurance appropriate.
process if breached.
Group Manager Acute and Relevant data has been identified through Waiting List Initiative Identify any ‘quick wins’ for specialist therapeutic March 2022
Community Allied Health on-going work of CCG Quality & Performance clinics. Existing staff services, whilst work is underway on a longer-term
Professionals (Keely Evans) subgroup and this data will be agreed and given opportunity to delivery model.
available to re-design delivery models / service undertake waiting list
specifications initiative clinics on top Review specialist therapeutic services delivery March 2022
for specialist therapeutic services in line with of their normal working models / service specifications in line with National
National guidelines. hours (A). guidelines and the projected resources required.
Reporting mechanisms in place. Fund specialist therapeutic services as appropriate, September 2022
following demand and capacity exercise with young
people and parent carers.
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Actions for implementation Lead Officer Evidence Accountability measures Intended outcome/Impact Resources Key Milestones Completion date Progress
(Additional – A)
(Existing – E)
1.4 Ensure the capacity is fit for purpose Head of Primary Care and Revised delivery models / service specifications Quantitative and qualitative data Improved waiting times meaning children and young The existing funding Scope out opportunities for a CYP workstream (to June 2022
and NICE compliant (where guidance Commissioning (Sally Sandel) for specialist therapeutic services in line with monitoring reported to relevant people are receiving appropriate interventions at the support administration include specialist therapeutic services and SEND) to
exists) across several health services, National guidelines and through engagement governance groups. right time. support and psychologist be picked up through the Place-Based Partnership
Specialist CAMHS
including speech and language therapies and co-design approaches. within the team (E). (One Wolverhampton) work (first meeting planned
Operational Manager Monitored via Provider Performance Improved parent carer and young person satisfaction.
(SALT), specialist CAMHS and autism for 1 Feb 2022).
(James Reeley) meetings and SEND Health Steering
spectrum disorder (ASD) pathways. This is important as these diagnostic assessments do
Group and subgroup meetings. Identify any ‘quick wins’ for specialist therapeutic June 2022
Head of CAMHS not always mirror the National Institute for Health and
Commissioning (Mags Courts) Care Excellence (NICE) guidance and extend waiting services, whilst work is underway on a longer-term
times further while additional NHS assessments are delivery model.
Group Manager Acute and
pending.
Community allied Health Commissioners to work together to review all August 2023
Professionals (Keeley Evans) elements of the ASD pathways.
Commissioners to work together to review the August 2023
specialist therapeutic services delivery models
/ service specifications in line with National
guidelines.
Commission specialist therapeutic services as August 2023
appropriate.
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Actions for implementation Lead Officer Evidence Accountability measures Intended outcome/Impact Resources Key Milestones Completion Progress
(Additional – A) date
(Existing – E)
1.5 Waiting times to be brought down to Specialist CAMHS Operational Waiting list reports Quantitative and qualitative data Waiting times will be improved following the negative (E) Compliance with 18-week wait target Unknown due to
within NICE guidance (under 5’s and Manager (James Reeley) monitoring, reported to relevant affects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on waiting impact of Covid-19
Scope out opportunities for a CYP workstream (to
over 5’s and adults for ASD). governance groups times for therapeutic interventions in some specialist
Head of CAMHS include specialist therapeutic services and SEND) Short-, medium-
therapeutic and Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Commissioning (Mags Courts) Monitored via Trust Performance meetings to be picked up through the Place-Based Partnership and long-term
Services (CAMHS).
and SEND Health Steering group and (One Wolverhampton) work (first meeting planned dates to be
subgroup meetings Consideration of embedding the i-Thrive model to for 1 Feb 2022) determined.
clearly understand what our offer is and be able to
Identify any ‘quick wins’ for specialist therapeutic
articulate this across the city.
services, whilst work is underway on a longer-term
delivery model
Group Manager Acute and Waiting times reduced for each service Waiting times will decrease to within 18 weeks for Waiting Lists Inititaive
Community Allied Health to within NICE guidelines new appointments. This will improve the experience clinics (A) Review specialist therapeutic services delivery
Professionals (Keely Evans) of families. models / service specifications in line with National
Revised delivery models / service
guidelines
specifications for specialist therapeutic
services in line with National guidelines Commission specialist therapeutic services as
appropriate
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Actions for implementation Lead Officer Evidence Accountability measures Intended outcome/Impact Resources Key Milestones Completion Progress
(Additional – A) date
(Existing – E)
1.6 Have clear processes in place for Specialist CAMHS Operational Signposting to appropriate services Black Country Partnership Foundation Improved offers of support while children and (E) Updated information on Local Offer co-produced July 2022
signposting families to universal offer, Manager (James Reeley) at referral, at assessment and during Trust/CCG/LA young people wait for diagnosis which are clearly with parent carers.
from 0-19 services including health, LA treatment when this is indicated. articulated.
Guide to useful services developed and requires July 2022
and community services, whilst children
Guide to useful services available for reviewing on a regular basis.
and young people are on an existing
those on the ASC assessment pathway.
waiting list.
Fewer parent carer complaints
Interim Senior Matron for 0-19 2-2.5 year development review - feedback to Families have a better understanding of the Families of children and young people will report 0-19 Service already
and Children’s Community family around results and update them when support available and the knowledge of increased offers of support whilst waiting to access have the skills in place
Services (Jane Lawrence) referral made. how to access this. services. This will be captured by Voice4Parents and access to resources
feedback and also looking at data on the 0-19 provided by colleagues
Offer additional support either with resources
ECLIPSE system. Baselines will be captured as part in therapy services (E).
or pieces of targeted work by Public Health
of the development work with our new ECLIPSE Lead,
Associate. Every nursery has
and we can then pull off number of referrals made.
a link health visitor (E).
HV service will consider running groups to
help children that need additional support Specialist School Nurse
whilst waiting for the appointment. to be appointed on a
permanent basis as an
Support in obtaining place at Terrific for 2s
extra resource to the
nursery. Also provide feedback to nurseries
School Nursing Team
so they can put support in place if there is a
to work with children
concern.
and young people with
Health visitors can offer listening visits to additional needs in
parent carers who may be feeling particularly mainstream schools and
low in mood or anxious. will be an extra resource.
Signpost to WIASS. We will also have funding
for 2 Public Health
Health Visitors can also initiate Early Help Associates to help carry
Assessments and Team Around the Child out the packages of care.
meetings. (A)
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Actions for implementation Lead Officer Evidence Accountability measures Intended outcome/Impact Resources Key Milestones Completion Progress
(Additional – A) date
(Existing – E)
1.7 Contact with families during the diagnostic Specialist CAMHS Operational Regular check in with families (minimum Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Families who are awaiting the commencement of (E) Rigorous process in place. January 2023
process during waiting for CAMHS and ASD. Manager (James Reeley) 12 weekly) Trust individual or group therapy on an at least 12 weekly
basis by telephone. At this point we are looking to
understand are there any changes, do we need to
rethink our plan, would any other help be needed.
These can provoke a longer review appointment
virtually or in person if this is considered necessary/
helpful.
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Area of Significant Weakness 2
The lack of accuracy in EHC plans and the delays in assessment, writing and review of those plans
Actions for implementation Lead Officer Evidence Accountability measures Intended outcome/Impact Resources Key Milestones Completion date Progress
(Additional – A)
(Existing – E)
2.1 Full review of existing statutory Service Manager – SEND Regular update meetings (recorded) to show Updates and progress provided to To improve the accuracy in EHC plans and reduce Business analyst Workshops for experts to include Voice 4 Parents October 2021 –
assessment and review processes Assessment, Planning work accomplished workstream group on a monthly basis delays in assessment, writing and review of those required 2 days per March 2022
from receipt of request for assessment & Provision (Deborah Beasley) plans. week for 6 months (A)
Process maps for systems developed and Bi-annual audits submitted to Quality Visits to other LAs with best practice November 2021
to cease to maintain.
Business Analyst implemented across the team. and Improvement Team Timeliness of EHCPs to be comparable with 2 x 1 hour workshops
(Misba Akhtar) national average by August 2023. over 16 weeks current
Service restructured accordingly to enable EHC compliance data reviewed New ways of working piloted and assessed, where April 2022
Officer capacity (E)
processes to be effective and efficient through SEND Data Dashboard at SEND Improved parent carer and young people successful for feeding into revised needs assessment
Partnership Board to show improvements satisfaction. and EHC plan process
Formalised audit processes developed and
in the timeliness of EHCPs
implemented to take place on 6 monthly basis.
Annual Parent carers user survey
completed
2.2 Revised EHCP Assessment and Review Service Manager – SEND Process and pathway agreed and embedded Updates and progress provided to Rollout of training and support on Graduated 6 hours Current 2 x 3 hour multi-agency workshops held to June 2022
process and pathway developed. Assessment, Planning & by all partners (including health, social care, workstream group on a monthly basis Support in schools through SENCos officer capacity (E) develop pathway
Provision (Deborah Beasley) schools, settings, parent carers and young
Bi-annual audits submitted to Quality Easily accessible information available with a clear
people).
Business Analyst and Improvement Team pathway outlined for all partners and stakeholders
(Misba Akhtar) Workshops held to advise on new processes
EHC compliance data reviewed Quality SEN support in place through Graduated
and pathway.
School SEND Improvement through SEND Data Dashboard at Response, as well as EHC plans that accurately
Advisor (Anna Vrahimi) IT systems support monitoring of compliance. SEND Partnership Board reflect a child’s needs with co-produced clear
outcomes included for monitoring of achievement
Designated Medical Officer
(Dr Cathy Higgins)
Designated Clinical Officer
(Emma Boyce)
Service Manager – Children’s
Services (Lisa Whelan)
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Actions for implementation Lead Officer Evidence Accountability measures Intended outcome/Impact Resources Key Milestones Completion date Progress
(Additional – A)
(Existing – E)
2.3 Revised EHC plan co-produced, with Service Manager – SEND Revised EHC Plan template produced. Updates and progress provided to Improved plans that are accessible and have clear 1 1.5 hour workshop Workshops with relevant stakeholders and SEND April 2022
advice providers, CYP and parent carers, Assessment, Planning & workstream group on a monthly basis. SMART progression targets for CYP leading to per month with multi professionals.
Audit will show advice providers understand
and implemented. Provision (Deborah Beasley) improved outcomes for children and young people. agency team (E).
what good advice/reports look like and ensure Bi-annual audits submitted to Quality
they meet the legal requirements of EHCPs and Improvement Team. EHC plans fit for purpose and easily accessible
such as quantifying and specifying provisions. to all children, young people, parent carers and
professionals.
2.4 Implementation of evaluation process Service Manager – SEND 100% of families will have the opportunity KPIs reported to SEND Partnership Board Improved EHC plans that are clearly co-produced. Current officer Process in place to be implemented by September 2022
to assess parent carers and young person Assessment, Planning & to feedback on EHC needs assessment and as part of data dashboard on 8 weekly capacity - SEN Officer restructured SENSTART team in place (July 2021).
Parental and young people satisfaction with plans.
satisfaction and to ensure that there is Provision (Deborah Beasley) plan development processes with targets basis. to send survey when
a feedback mechanism for comments for improvement in satisfaction levels set. Reduction in requests for Mediation and referrals assessments or reviews
Results of satisfactions surveys published
related to the statutory process and to Tribunal. are completed (E).
Analysis of evaluations will demonstrate annually on Local Offer.
the quality of plans.
improving satisfaction of families who feel
Bi-annual audits submitted to Quality and
listened to, heard, and fully engaged in
Improvement Team which ensure that
co-production of plans.
CYP and Parent Carer voice is captured.
2.5 Revised training opportunities for all Service Manager – SEND Percentage of relevant colleagues who have Updates and progress provided to Quality and consistency of plans improved. 3 x 2 hour training events Training to commence from February 2022. September 2022
staff in education, health and social Assessment, Planning & completed training (including current and workstream group on a monthly basis. to be delivered through
Timeliness of EHCPs to be comparable with
care including online e-learning Provision (Deborah Beasley) any new staff will be 100%). education, health and
national average by August 2023.
modules, to include what quality social care (E).
Designated Medical Officer Bi-annual audits submitted to Quality and
and legally compliant report writin Better quality support and provision in place
(Dr Cathy Higgins) Improvement Team which ensure that the
to inform plans actually looks like. including high quality co-produced plans, evidenced
quality and consistency of plans has
Designated Clinical Officer by improved annual children, young people, parent
improved.
(Emma Boyce) carers and professionals feedback and satisfaction.
Service Manager – Children’s
Services (Lisa Whelan)
26 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 27Local Area Monitoring Arrangements and Governance Local Area Monitoring Arrangements and Governance
Actions for implementation Lead Officer Evidence Accountability measures Intended outcome/Impact Resources Key Milestones Completion date Progress
(Additional – A)
(Existing – E)
2.6 To agree and implement a co-produced Service Manager – SEND QA framework and quality standards agreed Monitored through Quality and Bi-annual cycle of plans audited and moderated with QA officer dedicated 2 cycles completed. April 2023
QA framework with parent carers, health, Assessment, Planning & by SEND Partnership Board. Improvement Team. improved quality and consistency across all phases. to SEND services
Themed audits to include Children and young
education and social care colleagues Provision (Deborah Beasley) to oversee audit
Health, education and social care colleagues CSC (and ASC) Teams ensure SW completed SC people involved with social care, youth offending,
including requirements for audit and programme (c40k)(A).
Head of Service Inclusion trained on requirements for audit and section and the timeliness and quality of this. mainstream settings, specialist, alternative
moderation panels and processes and
and Empowerment moderation panels and processes. provision and independent providers.
complete themed audit test cycle prior Preparation for Adulthood clearly incorporated into
(Helen Bakewell)
to roll out as business as usual. EHC plans from the earliest years.
Gaps in services, provision and plans are responded
to by services through the moderation process and
improvements Quality and Improvement Team.
2.7 Develop and implement a ‘Continuous Head of Service Inclusion Cycle of feedback and training from QA of Monitored through Quality and Timeliness of EHCPs to be comparable with Quarterly meeting held Training schedule in place March 2022
Improvement and Learning Programme’. and Empowerment plans in place. Improvement Team and Customer national average by August 2023. with Service Managers,
(Helen Bakewell) Engagement Team. Quality Assurance and Cycle of workshops planned July 2022
Bi-yearly ‘Learning from Complaints’ Fewer parent carer complaints.
Complaints Teams (E).
Service Manager – SEND workshops. Annual highlight report updates to
Reduced LGO complaints and Tribunals. Practice week scheduled to audit EHCPs September 2022
Assessment, Planning & SEND Partnership Board. Annual training provided
Audits of plans.
Provision (Deborah Beasley) Consistent high-quality plans produced in timescale. to plan writers.
Training for plan writers, advice provision
Plans more accessible with clear evidence of
and outcomes writing in conjunction with
co-production as evidenced within the audits.
revised and improved systems and processes
with schedule of training with attendance Outcomes able to be easily measured with progress
of officers recorded. towards achievement clearly able to be evidenced.
Improved, personalised SMART outcomes
included in EHC plans.
28 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 29Local Area Monitoring Arrangements and Governance Local Area Monitoring Arrangements and Governance
Actions for implementation Lead Officer Evidence Accountability measures Intended outcome/Impact Resources Key Milestones Completion date Progress
(Additional – A)
(Existing – E)
2.8 Procurement of preferred IT solutio Head of Digital and IT Steering group with task and finish groups Reviewed by Digital & ICT and Efficient and effective SEND ICT system. Capital investment in Completion of procurement exercise, January 2023
to enable collaborative electronic (Jai Ghai) established and meeting regularly to develop Procurement Teams. system - £25K. implementation of new system, training
Improved processes in place to deliver good
EHC plan process. clear specification. completed, and system embedded.
Updates and progress provided to quality EHC plans.
Parent/carer and partners included in workstream group on a monthly basis.
development and decisions.
Parent/carer and partners included in
development and decisions re ICT system
processes with issues and mitigations
recorded in meeting minutes.
2.9 Ensure successful processes are in Designated Clinical Officer Attendance at planning meetings by key Attendance log at meetings. Health professionals will use the portal once issues Awaiting substantive In line with LA timescales. January 2023
place for Health professionals to (Emma Boyce) health professionals including the DCO with the difficulty in access are resolved. appointment of DCO (A).
Link with LA accountability measures.
successfully input into preferred IT to ensure health element fit for purpose.
solution to enable collaborative
To directly input to electronic EHCP
electronic EHC plan process.
when it is rolled out.
2.10 Implementation of the DSCO action plan. Service Manager – Children’s Engagement of SEND champions. Reviewed quarterly within C&YPiC Upskilling staff. 12 existing social care Monthly SEND Champion meetings ongoing. Ongoing through
Services (Lisa Whelan) Managers. staff to commit 1 day lifecycle of WSOA.
Training and meetings with champions set up. Increased/enhanced understanding of SEND across Develop a SEND Champions Newsletter.
per month to SEND
Reviewed monthly within supervision Children’s Social Care.
DSCO attending regional/national workshops. Champion roll (E). Continue to build engagement from SEND
between SM/DSCO and HOS.
Increase/Enhance contribution to EHCP at referral/ champions.
Increased multi-agency engagement of
Reviewed quarterly within CYPLT. assessment/review stages.
partners at DCYP resource panel. Further develop specific training – whilst training
invites can be sent, flyers to highlight training
opportunities across are routinely shared to SEND
champions network with an expectation that
champions are proactive in signing up to further
enhance understanding/expertise.
DSCO to attend CDC National/Regional workshops/
conferences etc.
30 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 31Local Area Monitoring Arrangements and Governance Local Area Monitoring Arrangements and Governance
Actions for implementation Lead Officer Evidence Accountability measures Intended outcome/Impact Resources Key Milestones Completion date Progress
(Additional – A)
(Existing – E)
2.11 DSCO and WIASS training of Social Care Service Manager – Children’s MCA/LPS Overview completed. Reviewed quarterly within C&YPiC Upskilling staff. Monthly training session Attend Monthly SEND Champion meetings ongoing. Ongoing through
SEND Champions. Services (Lisa Whelan). Managers. to be attended by SEND lifecycle of WSOA.
IASS/EHCP training undertaken. Increased/enhanced understanding of SEND across Continue to engage with service to deliver
Champions (E).
WIASS Officer Reviewed monthly within supervision Children’s Social Care. improvements.
(Elaine Westwood). between Service Manager/DSCO and
Increase/Enhance contribution to EHCP at referral/ Undertake training to further enhance
HOS.
assessment/review stages. understanding/expertise to share with wider team.
Reviewed quarterly within CYPLT.
2.12 Highlight good EHCP practice Principal Social Worker QA Audits. Identify and share with staff Upskill social care staff to be able to contribute Audits to take place as Cycle of workshops planned. April 2022
development in CSC Excellence plan. (Jenny Rogers). teams factors that indicate to EHCP assessments. per 2.6 (E).
‘good’ ‘outstanding practice’. Practice week scheduled to audit EHCPs.
Develop a shared understanding of measurable
Contribute to multi-agency audits. outcomes for children and young people. Inclusion/Attendance Manager recruited. February 2022
2.13 Extended role of the virtual school head Head of Virtual School Strategic plan in place and progressing to Attendance and Inclusion data, feedback Improve awareness and tracking of children and New Inclusion Manager SIA recruited. February 2022
to include children known to social care. (Darren Martindale). extend role of the VSH. from schools monitored as part of SEND young people known to social care to improve being recruited to enable
data dashboard KPIs and reported to educational outcomes. VSH to incorporate new
Extended role discussed at key forums with February 2022
SEND Partnership Board on an 8 weekly extended responsibilities,
schools/social care.
basis. new School
Improvement Advisor
(SIA) being recruited to Conference delivered for schools and flexible May 2022
provide quality advice to training package in place.
schools in line with DfE
guidance (A).
32 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 33Local Area Monitoring Arrangements and Governance Local Area Monitoring Arrangements and Governance
Area of Significant Weakness 3
The underdeveloped arrangements for jointly commissioning and providing the services that children and young people with SEND and their families need
Actions for implementation Lead Officer Evidence Accountability measures Intended outcome/Impact Resources Key Milestones Completion date Progress
(Additional – A)
(Existing – E)
3.1 Co-production of a Joint Commissioning Commissioning Manager A joint commissioning strategy which outlines 100% of colleagues aware of the areawide A wide range of high-quality services jointly To be achieved within Approval of Strategy at Strategic November 2021
Strategy between Local Authority and (Steven Larking). the arrangements for providing the services commitment to joint commissioning and commissioned providing best value and parent existing resources (E). Commissioning Steering Group (Nov. 21).
CCG, underpinned by a joint strategic that children and young people with SEND their individual responsibilities towards carer choice and higher levels of satisfaction.
Head of Primary Care and Sign off in principle at SEND Partnership Board December 2021
commissioning action tracker across and their families’ needs developed. the development and delivery of the
Commissioning (Sally Sandel). (Dec. 2021).
all of the joint strategic themes. strategy.
Strategy agreed by governance boards.
Published strategy will outline Full sign off and implementation (Feb. 2022). February 2022
Joint Commissioning Strategy published on
commissioning principles to maximise
Local Offer and other relevant websites. Development of Joint Strategic Commissioning April 2022
opportunities for aligned and joint
commissioning intentions. Action Tracker from Nov. 2021
Produce action plan September 2022
3.2 Undertake a joint baseline assessment Senior Commissioning Plan in place for future commissioning Services and provision match need in All stakeholders aware of provisions available SEND Local Offer and Review of existing services commissioned. November 2022
of current commissioned SEND services Officer (SEND) (Mai Gibbons). activity linked to identified needs and local area according to local intelligence. to support CYP with SEND including details of Communications Lead
and identify opportunities for joint priorities identified within JSNA. how to apply for and access relevant services. Officer (to be appointed) Identify opportunities for joint commissioning January 2023
Head of Primary Care and Local offer clearly outlines services and
commissioning of existing or new circa £40k (A). of services, both existing and new, to meet
Commissioning (Sally Sandel). provision available including how these Streamlining the pathways for access and
provision needs with an action plan local need.
can be accessed. removing barriers for children, young people
prepared to address the gaps. Head of CAMHS
and parent carers. Develop and implement plan for new and April 2023
Commissioning (Mags Courts). Information on Local Offer regarding
timescales for commissioning new recommissioning services.
Voice 4 Parents (Jayne Evans).
services.
Updated information available re services April 2023
on Local Offer.
34 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 35Local Area Monitoring Arrangements and Governance Local Area Monitoring Arrangements and Governance
Actions for implementation Lead Officer Evidence Accountability measures Intended outcome/Impact Resources Key Milestones Completion date Progress
(Additional – A)
(Existing – E)
3.3 Identify all budgets that are allocated Finance Manager (Terry Shaw). Budgets identified. Oversight and audit of budgets Resources allocated appropriately from across Funding and finance Initial audit of financial contributions. September 2022
to services that could be jointly to ensure fair contributions with partnership. officer in post within
Senior Commissioning Officer
commissioned. accountable managers aware of SEND (A). Appointment of new resource. March 2022
(SEND) (Mai Gibbons).
and fulfilling their responsibilities.
CCG finance officer (E).
Head of Primary Care and Embedded system for funding in place across August 2023
Commissioning (Sally Sandel). LA corporate finance the partnership.
support (E).
Head of CAMHS
Commissioning (Mags Courts).
3.4 Establish a format and schedule Senior Commissioning Officer Multi agency QA group established. Regular reporting to SEND Partnership Improved outcomes for CYP. Multi-team officers (E). QA monitoring group established September 2021
for monitoring contracts ensuring (Mai Gibbons). Board.
KPI’s monitored and challenged regularly.
compliance and outcomes for CYP
Head of Service – Inclusion Data and information available November 2021
are achieved. Best value evidenced.
and Empowerment
(Helen Bakewell)
Finalised QA framework agreed February 2022
Head of Primary Care and
Commissioning (Sally Sandel).
Process embedded April 2022
Head of CAMHS
Commissioning (Mags Courts).
3.5 Consistent and appropriate attendance Children’s Commissioning Minutes and agendas from the Joint Strategic Clear reporting to Joint Strategic An engaged and meaningful group for decision Attendance of all Review attendance and decisions made after June 2022
across all partners at joint strategic Transformation Lead Commissioning Group. commissioning group and SEND making and consideration in regards joint partners monthly at Joint 6 months.
commissioning Board. (Steven Larking). Partnership Board. commissioning that has meaningful involvement Strategic Commissioning
from all partner agencies. Board (E).
3.6 Public Health to work with early years Consultant in Public Health Plan in place co-produced with Voice 4 Reporting to Send Partnership Board and Increase In uptake of placements from current E- with some additional Insights and engagement work. September 2022
workforce and parent carers to encourage (Bal Kaur). Parents, Wider parent community and evidence of parent carer engagement. baseline. resource from Public
Targeted communications on terrific for twos.
take up of terrific for twos placements Terrific for Twos leads. Health.
Head of Service Educational Better understanding of barriers to accessing
for children with SEND.
Excellence (Phil Leivers). placements.
36 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 37Local Area Monitoring Arrangements and Governance Local Area Monitoring Arrangements and Governance
Area of Significant Weakness 4
Weaknesses in implementing strategically planned co-production at every level when evaluating provision; identifying strengths and weaknesses, and identifying and implementing improvements
Actions for implementation Lead Officer Evidence Accountability measures Intended outcome/Impact Resources Key Milestones Completion date Progress
(Additional – A)
(Existing – E)
4.1 Work with providers of specialist and Co-production and Youth Settings awarded with co-production charter Highlight reports to SEND Partnership To eliminate weaknesses in implementing Engagement and Co- Award settings with #YES Co-Production Charter May 2022
universal provision to share the Co- Engagement Manager status. board every 8 weeks. strategically planned co-production at every level production officer Status.
Production Charter and support it (Alice Vickers). when evaluating provision; identifying strengths to complete schools
Training to be rolled out between March
implementation into those settings. and weaknesses, and identifying and implementing visits to introduce co-
Voice 4 Parents and May 2022 to promote the co-production
improvements. production charter (E).
(Sarah Baker/Natasha Worrell). charter.
To ensure clear ‘buy in’ of all stakeholders that work
WIASS (Lucy Harris / Elaine
and support children and young people with SEN
Westwood)
support needs.
Children, young people and Parent Carer will be
genuinely considered and factored within the co-
production of EHCP and Reviews.
4.2 System introduced to ensure that all Participation Officer Relevant directorate and heads of service to Updates of HY5! priority plan updated Young person voice heard in EHCPs and wider Election team recruited Participation Officer to attend schools and September 2021
children are heard and feel included (Alison Baggs). attend HY5! meetings annually and when through SEND board. strategic developments through SEND Partnership to complete annual provisions and share the opportunities for children
through engagement and participation. items need to be shared to inform planning. Board, HY5! Group and via HY5! Website. ballots (E). and young people with SEND.
Minutes of SEND Youth Forums which will
EHC plans clearly articulate the young person’s be posted through the YO! Website and Establish a SEND Youth Forum. September 2022
voice. #YES website.
HY5! Directly contribute to the SEND Strategy. Children and young people within Special Develop links to SPB to deliver HY5! Priority plan. November 2022
Schools engage in Make Your Mark voting. Members of HY5! to attend schools and provisions Ongoing updates
‘Make Your Mark’ to be promoted through
special schools. to promote opportunities for engagement and throughout lifespan
participation. of WSOA
Open Co-production Hub. April 2022
Make Your Mark Elections. March 2022
38 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 Joint Area SEND Inspection in Wolverhampton - Written Statement of Action January 2022 39You can also read
